king with no throne

Dante listened with understanding. Though he had always been a bit more on the optimistic side, and preferred the possibility of happiness to proof of tradgedy, he could appreciate Galileo's stance. After all, he had never really lost someone close to him, not in the sense that Galileo seemed to be speaking of. He carried his share of ghosts, that was true, but in another sense entirely.

"I would not think the knowing would make the ghosts any easier to bear, but I cannot profess to know." He offered a small smile. "I cannot say that my experience with such things has been extensive." He had parted ways with family, yes, but never in parting had he been made to feel half the longing he heard in this man's words.

"You have lost much, that much is plain to see. And I will not ask who, for it is not my right. But, for what my wants are worth, I hope you get the answers you seek." He saw enough of a likeness between himself and Galileo to have taken a friendly stance towards him already, even in this small meeting.